A fishing vessel is a boat used to catch sea fish for profit, even if it is only used occasionally. Use Part 2 of the register if you’re using your boat to catch and sell fish.
Every UK sea fishing vessel that fishes for profit must be registered by law unless the vessel:
- Is a salmon coble
- Has an overall length of 10 metres and under and is not propelled by an engine (for example the vessel only has oars or a sail)
- Has an overall length of 10 metres and under and will only be used to fish for common eels
All fishing vessels that catch sea fish for profit must also have a licence issued by the appropriate Fisheries Department.
You should contact your local Fisheries Office about licensing at the same time as applying for registration.
You will need to complete a vessel registration application and have the vessel surveyed before a UK Certificate of Registry is issued. Find more guidance on fishing vessel requirements and inspections on GOV.UK.
There are two types of registration for fishing vessels:
- Full Registration: A vessel with full registration can have mortgages registered against it
- Simple Registration: Mortgages cannot be recorded against a vessel with simple registration
